Best Sichuan Szechuan Cold Noodle Recipes

DAN DAN NOODLES

Steps:

• To make the chili oil: In a small pot, add the Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon stick, star anise, and oil. Over medium low heat, slowly heat to 325 degrees, and then turn off the heat. Wait 6 - 7 minutes, then remove the peppercorns, cinnamon stick, and star anise with a slotted spoon. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and allow them to steep in the hot oil. It should start smelling fragrant, almost like popcorn. Allow the oil to cool. This makes more chili oil than you'll need, but you'll be glad to have it on hand for use in other dishes. Store in a glass jar and keep refrigerated.
• To make the meat mixture: In a wok, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat, and brown the ground pork. Add the sweet bean sauce, shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, and five spice powder. Cook until all the liquid is evaporated. Set aside. Heat the other 2 teaspoons of oil in the wok over medium heat, and sautee the sui mi ya cai (pickled vegetables) for a few minutes. Set aside.
• To make the sauce: Mix together all the sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if you like. You can loosen it with more hot water, add more Sichuan peppercorn powder, etc.
• To prepare the noodles and veggies: Cook the noodles according to package directions and drain. Blanch the greens in the noodle water, and drain.
• Divide the sauce among six bowls (or four if you want larger servings), followed by the noodles and the leafy greens. Add the cooked pork and sui mi ya cai over the top. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts (optional) and scallions.
• Mix everything together and enjoy!

COLD NOODLES WITH SICHUAN DRESSING (LIANG MIAN, 凉面)

Steps:

• Put minced garlic, Sichuan pepper & star anise into a small bowl. Add hot water. Leave to infuse.
• Option 1: Put the chicken on a plate. Steam for 15 mins over medium heat. Transfer to another plate to cool.
• Option 2: Place the chicken in a roasting tray. Cover the tray with tin foil. Cook for 20 mins in a preheated oven at 390°F/200°C/Fan 180°C. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Add noodles. Boil until they are just cooked or a little undercooked. Be attentive to avoid boiling over.
• Drain the noodles. Rinse under tap water to cool.
• Transfer to a large bowl. Add sesame oil. Toss well.
• Shred the chicken either by hand or with a knife. Add to the noodles along with cucumber, scallions and fresh chilli.
• Drain the aromatic water through a sieve. Discard the garlic & spices. Pour the water over the noodles. Add all the ingredients for the dressing and mix well.
• Transfer the noodles to 2 serving bowls. Top each one with coriander, peanuts (if using).

SZECHUAN COLD NOODLES

Steps:

• Set up a steamer with enough water and bring to a boiling.
• Spread noodles on a steamer and then steam for 4-5 minutes. Then add a small pinch of salt in the water and then transfer the noodles in the water. Heat until the water boils again.
• Transfer out and add 1/2 tablespoon f oil immediately (This will help to avoid the noodles being sticky with each other). Stir to mix well. Use chopsticks to stir the noodles up repeatedly to help the noodles cool down quickly. In hot days, you can even resort to an electric fan.
• Cook the noodles according to the instruction on the package. I recommend you only cook the noodles about until 80% cooked.
• When the noodles are completely cooled down, add shredded cucumber and all the other seasonings. Mix well and serve cold.
• Drizzle some chili oil on top, garnish green onion and roasted peanuts.